How Young is Too Young for the Internet

There is something incredibly unique about this current generation of children. Can you guess what it is? For the first time in history, a generation of kids is growing up in a world where mainstream Internet use is the rule, not the exception. From the earliest ages, kids are expected to know how to use the computer and the internet. Whether they are learning it in a structured environment like school, or on their own in the privacy of their home, kids as young as five and six are using the web to play games and use social networks. Is that too young to be online, though?

Recently, CNN published an article asking “How young is too young” for kids to use social networking websites. Quoting a variety of experts in child psychology, the article found effective arguments for both sides of the issue, with some arguing that heavy internet use at an early age can stunt a child’s social development and others arguing that social media is simply an extension of a child’s natural social environment.

Is one more right than the other? It’s difficult to say. Because kids aren’t old enough yet for scientists to make an accurate assessment of the long-term effects of internet use, most of the current discussion involves theories and conjecture. As such, the more relevant question might not be “how young is too young,” but how should you talk to your child about the Internet.

As Toby Clark, the creator of kids social networking website KidSwirl, says at the end of the CNN article, “The reality is that we’re a technology-driven generation. That’s not going to change.” Because so many aspects of our culture are becoming increasingly dependent on a working knowledge of the internet, a parent would be hardpressed to ban their child from the web outright. However, that doesn’t mean that all kids should have 24-hour access to their own laptops. It is possible for parents to strike the right balance between encouragement and oversight, but it requires a proactive approach.

Recently, the Family Online Safety Institute held its third annual conference in Washington D.C. The theme of the conference was “Building a Culture of Responsibility: From Online Safety to Digital Citizenship.” It is an interesting concept and one that stands in contrast to previous conferences, which tended to focus on more frightening, yet less likely dangers such as child predators and internet pornography. A recent blog post at The Online Mom further explored the notion of helping your kids become responsible digital citizens further.

“Technology and the Internet are so much a part of our children’s lives that most people have stopped trying to turn back the tide. Instead, we are focusing on doing everything we can to make sure they are good swimmers! … As such, parents need to encourage media literacy and responsible behavior, rather than focusing solely on the dangers. … If we give them sufficient guidance along the way, then hopefully a responsible digital citizen will be the end result!”

As the internet continues to grow, with social media leading the way, it is vital that we all take steps to make it a safer place through our actions. The current generation of children has a unique opportunity to set the tone for internet discourse over the next half century. If parents and educators take the time to teach them the right way to act, they can help usher in an era of responsibility and accountability online.